Horry County Fire Rescue names new Chief

HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) – Horry County announced that the new Chief of Horry County Fire Rescue will be Joseph Tanner, who is currently the Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director for the City of Georgetown.

After a national search, Tanner was selected to replace former Fire/Rescue Chief Fred Crosby, who left the Department in May 2015, according to a news release from the county. Tanner will begin his employment with Horry County on December 7, 2015.

“The selection committee was focused on numerous factors, especially strong management principles,” stated Horry County Administrator Chris Eldridge. “We are very pleased with our selection, as he possesses all of the qualities that we were looking for to be part of our leadership team. Tanner comes to Horry County with an understanding of our area and the ongoing challenges we face as a growing community. He brings the strong leadership and management skills needed to provide effective fire/rescue services to our citizens and will be instrumental in collaborating with internal and external departments/agencies.”

Tanner has been the Chief Chief/Emergency Management Director for Georgetown since 1984, and is well-respected by his colleagues throughout the state, the release states. Horry County Government PIO Lisa Bourcier said Chief Tanner will make $105,000 a year. She also said former Chief Fred Crosby was making $105,083.68 a year.

According to Horry County Public Records, Tanner posted a minimum salary amount of $110,000.

Other finalists for the job position included Scott Hechler, Fire Chief and Director of Public Safety for Hernando County in Florida, and Scott Thompson, Interim Fire Chief at Horry County Fire Rescue since Crosby and HCFR employee since 1990. Hechler was asking for $100,000 minimum salary and Thompson was asking $105,000, Horry County Public Records states.

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, meaning ticks are out in full force. Local veterinarians say the number of Lyme disease cases in Horry County has doubled since 2014. Warmer weather calls for outdoor activities with your loved ones, including your pets. Vets say it's important for everyone to perform daily tick checks on yourselves and especially your pets. This season, tick sightings are already soaring.

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, meaning ticks are out in full force. Local veterinarians say the number of Lyme disease cases in Horry County has doubled since 2014. Warmer weather calls for outdoor activities with your loved ones, including your pets. Vets say it's important for everyone to perform daily tick checks on yourselves and especially your pets. This season, tick sightings are already soaring.

This morning is mild, muggy, and dry, but rain chances start to blossom as we get to the afternoon. Scattered showers and storms are expected this afternoon and they will quickly come to an end after sunset. Highs today will be in the mid to low 80s.

This morning is mild, muggy, and dry, but rain chances start to blossom as we get to the afternoon. Scattered showers and storms are expected this afternoon and they will quickly come to an end after sunset. Highs today will be in the mid to low 80s.

The organization predicted 10 to 16 tropical systems, with five to nine becoming hurricanes. One to four of those hurricanes is predicted to develop into major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or above.

The organization predicted 10 to 16 tropical systems, with five to nine becoming hurricanes. One to four of those hurricanes is predicted to develop into major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or above.